International Rugby Players

Training today

Ali Williams & Anthony Boric @ Robertson Road Primary during the announcement of KidsCan as the new official charity of the New Zealand All Blacks

Carter joins the Catalans

It was supposed to be Toulouse or Toulon, or maybe somewhere in the Guinness Premiership. But Dan Carter surprised everyone on Friday by announcing he would be taking a sabbatical season with French side Perpignan later this year.

Carter, 26, will join Perpignan following the All Blacks' November tour - and presumably a rest period.

He has signed a six-month contract with the Catalans, meaning he plans to return to New Zealand in June 2009 with a view to re-securing his All Blacks spot for the Tri-Nations next year, and eventually for the Rugby World Cup in 2011.

Carter revealed he had had offers both from Perpignan and Toulon, but that the participation of the Sang et Or club in the Heineken Cup swayed his decision.

"Obviously we hear a lot about the strengths and weaknesses of the European competitions and how they compare to the Super 14 and the Air New Zealand Cup," said Carter.

"Basically, if I am going to play rugby in Europe I want to test myself against the best Europe can offer and I am excited about the challenges both the Top 14 and the European Cup will bring.

"I have done plenty of research on both Toulon and Perpignan and whilst I have no doubt that I would have enjoyed Toulon, in the end, Perpignan's qualification for next year's European Cup swayed my decision."

Carter went on to thank the NZRU for tearing up their rule-book to allow him to take the chance in France.

He will be eligible for any New Zealand selection during his foreign sojourn, but when he returns he will have to prove that he can mix it with the cream of next year's Super 14 fly-halves to win his black jersey back, both at national and Super 14 level.

"I would like to thank the NZRU for offering me this unique opportunity," he said.

"The All Black jersey is no one's by right and I fully appreciate that I will have to continue to play well and prove myself if I am to be involved with the All Blacks next year and beyond.

"The 2011 Rugby World Cup is going to be a phenomenal event and my priority has always been to be available to take part in that.

"Obviously there is also some disappointment at not being able to be part of the Crusaders next year and that was probably the hardest part of my decision, particularly given how well the boys finished the season and the excitement around the new coaching structures next year.

"The Crusaders have been a massive part of my life and I hope that I can continue that association when I return."

Palisson: France`s rising star

In only ten matches in the Top 14, Brive's 20-year-old full-back Alexis Palisson did enough to convince Marc Li

Can't wait for the TRI-NATIONS to begin!

Toulouse & Clermont during their training session, Paris

Coaches & Captains during press conference

Training before the big game 2moro FRANCE Vs WALLABIES !

Australia 34 - France 13 (let'shope France do better and win in the 2nd test)

Please someone post some new pics of Dan Carter I him!

CLERMONT 20 - TOULOUSE 26

Toulouse just had too much today, Clem & Vi are going crazy! 7 YEARS TOULOUSE HAVE WAITED WIN THE BB TITLE AGAIN! Byronis crying tears of joy, Rougerie is crying tears of sorrow still Clermont have never won the TOP 14 title.